Lost Jewlry cover

Lost Jewlry

Raekwon · 2013

32 min · 12 tracks · gangsta rap

A gritty tapestry of street narratives woven with soulful samples and sharp lyrical craftsmanship.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Prince of Thieves Start here — This track exemplifies Raekwon's storytelling prowess, detailing the complexities of street life with vivid imagery and a catchy hook that underscores its thematic depth.
  • →
    Hold You Down — Featuring heartfelt verses about loyalty and support, this track stands out for its emotional resonance and showcases Raekwon's ability to blend personal insights with hard-hitting beats.
  • →
    New Day — With its uplifting message and reflective tone, this song highlights Raekwon's growth as an artist, emphasizing hope amidst struggles while maintaining a classic hip-hop aesthetic.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Raekwon's lyrical depth and soulful production create a compelling listen, though it doesn't significantly reshape the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that alternate between narrative-driven verses and melodic hooks.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the gritty production.
  • The pacing varies, with mid-tempo beats dominating the first half before transitioning to more introspective themes in the latter tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady narrative flow throughout
  • vivid storytelling for immersion
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • gritty exploration of street life
  • reflective moments between intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking lengthy, expansive albums
  • prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Raekwon's continued relevance and quality after a significant gap.
Career context
Lost Jewlry is Raekwon's fifth studio album, released in 2013 after a significant gap since his previous project, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang in 2011. At this point in his career, Raekwon was working to reclaim his prominence in hip-hop while also adapting to the evolving soundscape of the genre. This album reflects both his established mafioso rap style and his willingness to engage with contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Ghostface Killah· Inspectah Deck· Nas

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Young Boy Penalties

    The narrative shifts from recounting youthful mistakes to the consequences faced by the protagonist as he matures.

    This progression illustrates Raekwon's adeptness at chronicling character development, capturing the harsh realities of street life while offering a glimpse into personal accountability.

Tracklist

  • 1 Intro "A Kings Chariot" 1:02
  • 2 Prince of Thieves Start here 2:46
  • 3 Young Boy Penalties 2:38
  • 4 Hold You Down 3:03
  • 5 For the Listeners 2:28
  • 6 Die Tonight 2:44
  • 7 New Day 3:09
  • 8 Lead Season 2:40
  • 9 86' 2:48
  • 10 Came Up 2:35
  • 11 To the Top 2:37
  • 12 Whatever, Whenever 3:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata